“Showrunner Albert Kim Discusses Bold Changes in Netflix’s Live-Action ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender'”

Netflix’s live-action adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” has been making waves since its premiere, and showrunner Albert Kim is here to discuss the bold changes that have been made to the beloved Nickelodeon series. In an interview with Variety, Kim delves into the reasons behind the show’s more violent sequences, the deeper mythology explored, and the introduction of new characters.

Setting the Stakes

Kim explains that the decision to open the series with a stark image of Fire Lord Sozin’s brutality was crucial in signaling that this adaptation would not be a note-for-note translation. The violence depicted in the live-action version serves to set the stakes for the world of “Avatar.” Kim emphasizes that it was not about aging up the show, but rather about showing how dangerous bending can be and staying true to the tone of the later seasons of the original series.

Unpacking the Mythology

One of the key changes in this adaptation is Fire Lord Sozin’s plan to wipe out the airbenders before a new Avatar is revealed. Kim explains that Sozin is making a calculated gamble based on the gap in time between when an Avatar dies and a new one is born. By killing the current Avatar, he believes he has enough time to conquer the world before the next one emerges. This strategy sets up a parallel with Ozai’s actions later in the season.

The Hidden Avatar

In this adaptation, Zuko is searching for an airbending Avatar instead of a waterbender like in the original series. Kim reveals that Zuko doesn’t actually know if the Avatar line has continued or if it has ended. The passing of time has created a sense of mythology around the Avatar, with some believing it may no longer exist. Zuko’s quest involves studying the history of the Avatar and considering all possibilities, which adds to his surprise when he encounters Aang.

Reimagining Characters

The show also offers a different take on characters like King Bumi. In this version, Bumi reveals himself immediately and harbors animosity towards Aang. Kim explains that Bumi has lived through the past 100 years and has done his own research into the Avatar’s whereabouts. The change in their relationship helps highlight Aang’s guilt and the emotional impact of his absence.

Expanding the World

Kim reveals that new characters, like Yukari, Suki’s mother, were introduced to fill out the world and add depth to existing characters. The decision to make the leader of Kyoshi Island a former Kyoshi Warrior and Suki’s mother felt natural and was written with Tamlyn Tomita in mind. Kim also mentions that other characters, such as Lieutenant Jee and Hahn, were given more significance in the live-action version.

Future Possibilities

While Kim acknowledges that there were elements from Season 1 of the animated series that couldn’t be incorporated into the live-action adaptation, he remains hopeful that they can be revisited in future seasons. He mentions a sequence in Roku’s temple that he would have loved to include but couldn’t due to resource limitations.

Casting Controversy

Fans are eager to see Toph in the live-action adaptation and have expressed their desire for a blind actor to portray her. However, Kim explains that his focus has been on completing Season 1 and earning the opportunity to have discussions about casting decisions for potential future seasons.

In conclusion, Netflix’s live-action adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” has made bold changes while staying true to the spirit of the original series. Showrunner Albert Kim’s insights into the violence, mythology, character reimagining, and world expansion provide fans with a deeper understanding of the creative choices made in this adaptation. As the first season comes to a close, viewers eagerly await what the future holds for this beloved franchise.